The Deputy Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, including other section of MPs have supported the decision of junior tourism minister Godfrey Kiwanda to endorse the use of “curvy women” to attract tourists to Uganda.

Kiwanda unveiled this campaign in a conference, which was attended by a bevy of curvaceous women attracting uproar from a section of Ugandans, especially female Ugandan activists who argue that it objectifies women. However, Mr. Oulanyah and Kasilo County MP Elijah Okupa, dismissed critics as selfish.

“I have participated or witnessed these pageants. If you look at what they do, it is to allow people appreciate the uniqueness of the female sight,” said Mr. Oulanyah.

Mr. Okupa said: “Additionally Mr. Speaker, to me this is discrimination against women who are not skinny.”

The reaction deputy speaker was sparked by a matter of national importance raised by Budaka Woman MP Pamella Kamugo. It doubles as the Chairperson for Uganda Women Parliamentary Association asked the minister to apologize and retract his statement.

Mr. Kiwanda, who tried to explain his position was, however, not in the House during the debate.

Raising on a point of order, Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda said since the Parliament supported the minister to use reigning Miss World Africa, Ms Quiin Abenakyo to promote tourism, it should do the same way in his Miss Curvy pageant campaign.